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126 HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY
Gurley officiated. This AA'as the first quarterly meeting held on the Firelands.
This society has prospered continuously from the time of its
organization. The frame building spoken of was occupied until the
year 1854, when a commodious tAvo-story brick building Avas erected. On
the north and east sides comfortable horse sheds were built. A pleasant
and cozy parsonage for the use of the pastor occupies an adjoining lot.
The Sunday school was first organized about 1830.
The educational interest is an important feature of the township.
In the year 1816 a log schoolhouse Avas built on the farm of Jesse
Taylor, and the winter school was taught by Doctor Christopher. Ann
Beatty, daughter of John Beatty, taught the following summer. The
pay was very small in those days. Female teachers received from $4 to
$6 per month, and male teachers $10 or $12. Board AVIIS furnished,
which the teacher got by "boarding round." Tuition was paid by each
family in proportion to the number of pupils sent. As the toAvnship
filled up with settlers it Avas divided into eleven school districts, and
later fine brick or frame school buildings with all the modern appliances
were built at a cost of from $1,500 to $2,000.
One of the first literary societies in the toAA'nship, and in fact in this
part of the state, Avas composed of a number of young men from the
townships of Perkins, Huron and Alilan, about the year 1819. The late
Rev. L. B. Gurley Avas a member of this society. They usually met on
one of the ridges on Saturday during the summer and debated many
important questions. In later years societies for both social and intellectual
improvement have been organized at different times, to meet
during the winter season and suspend during the summer months.
Another society, the Ladies' Home Alission, deserves mention. It was
organized many years ago by the ladies of the township for benevolent
and charitable purposes. The meetings were held regularly at the residences
of the members the first Thursday of each month.
In March, 1874, Perkins Grange, No. 637, Patrons of Husbandry,
Avas organized with a charter membership of thirty-three. The groAvth
Avas rapid, and by Alay of the same year the membership had increased
to eighty-five. From 1876 to 1881 little interest Avas taken in the grange,
and m/mbers gradually dropped out, but later the organization Avas
revived. The late Col. D. C. Richmond AA'as an active member in effecting
its organization, of which he held the office of worthy master.
The hamlet of Bogart is located in the southeastern corner of section
2, at the junction of the roads leading to Sandusky, Huron. Alilan,
Bloomingville and Castalia. In the course of the year considerable business
is transacted.
Oakland cemetery is a beaptiful park in the northeastern corner of
section 2, on the banks of Pipe Creek. It is .systematically laid out into
lots, Avith driveAvays bordered Avith maples, evergreens, willows and
various other trees. The grounds are under the care of a superintendent,
Avho, with a corps of assistants, keep the enclosure in perfect
condition. A stone Avail bounds the cemetery on the north and east
sides. A large stone vault and chapel stands near the entrance, which